I think that photographing people “doing their thing” is one of the best ways to capture them. This works especially well with musicians…I like to let them play for a bit so they get to that intense place where they can forget I’m even there and just play naturally. The cellist used to babysit for me, btw! I grew up pretty close to Juilliard and had some pretty awesome musicians live with the family.
Have you ever been photographed “doing your thing?” If so, how was the experience for you?
Note: only put a model in the fireplace if it is clean, and more importantly, not lit…
Lingerie shoots are one of my most requested shoots. Sometimes it’s as a gift to the models significant other, but more often than not, it’s just for her, to make her feel sexy and confident! Curious? Give it a try…you too, gentlemen!
One crazy story: I was at a womans house as she wanted to surprise her husband with some pin up style lingerie photos. She looked great, but was nervous, which is entirely normal at the beginning. The moment she got the courage to ditch the robe? Ding Dong! It was the Jehova’s Witnesses. She clutched her robe tight and explained that, thank you, she already has that book while I chased the dog, who of course managed to bolt the second she opened the door. I’m happy to report that the shoot still went well after that!
I enjoy chatting while I shoot, and learning about different experiences. People often think models are dumb, and pretty is all there is to them, but I’ve worked with an amazing group of people from all different walks of life, and am happy to report that they’ve been intelligent and awesome on many levels. For example:
Sometimes you have to get out of your normal setting, ditch your lighting setup, and go for a walk. Straight up a mountain. I think poor Heather was devoured by mosquitos that day…what a trooper.
I’ve been asked several times if I ever want to publish a book of photography. I’m not sure yet, but if I do, I have all the material right here: cats interrupting photo shoots. Every cat I’ve ever had has done it…clearly it’s a theme I should run with…
Ok…so, my mother-in-law gave me a tea set which included small pink cups with heart shaped saucers. What happens when you give me a pink tea set with heart shaped saucers? Uh…this:
I couldn’t help it. I had these ladies over to shoot when I first moved to CT (lived there about 5 years), add the hideous couch in the background with a game of Candyland, and the rest is history…I glad they shared my twisted sense of humor.
….yeah
Favorite thing to do when working with a makeup artist? Turn them loose and let them have fun! These shots are all of Heather, from the same shoot. We went to visit MUA Theo Faulker and he spent the afternoon transforming her. After this, people were surprised to learn that Heather’s real hair at the time was long, straight, and black. My husband and Theo’s brother also made an appearance, the two gents in suits. Careful! If you hang around during a shoot, you might get drafted to be a prop!
I encourage fun, and experimentation whether you’re the subject, stylist, or just happen to be standing around at the time!
Oh man…I’ve been going through shoots that I did when I was starting all this, over 10 years ago…I’m not sure whether to crack up or cringe when I look at them! Can’t believe I’m showing you guys these, but we all started somewhere, right? These gorgeous ladies were troopers. The technical aspects, well, yikes, but they represent the start of a huge part of me, so I love them…call me sentimental 😉
Shooting dancers is a blast, but also tricky…like the dancer with music, it’s all in the timing. This particular set was done during at a group shoot in CT which Ron Compton was kind enough to host in his studio. We took turns shooting jumps…our lovely model must have been exhausted after that one!
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